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Lupin1
Black Belt
Joined: 15 Dec 2009
Posts: 1637
Location: Naples, FL
Styles: Isshinryu
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 Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:51 pm Post subject: Martial Arts Reflections? |
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So even though I'm still pretty far away from my black belt test (at least a year, probably closer to two), my instructor e-mailed me his "black belt guide" last week to start preparing for the test. This set me on a "time to get way more serious about my training" kick, part of which involved starting a training binder with a training log, section for research, etc. One of the sections I've started in my binder is for reflection papers (I'm the kind of person who overthinks EVERYTHING and I think written reflections help channel and organize my overthinking).
So I was wondering if anyone has any good ideas for things to reflect on in my lead up to black belt. I already started by reflecting on my journey up to now and a little bit on "what black belt means to me" (a topic I think I'll revisit as it gets closer to see how my view has changed). I also have plans for spending at least a month reflecting on each of Tatsuo Shimabuku's 8 Codes of Karate, as part of the test is explaining one's interpretation of each.
Any good ideas that might help me build up a good mindset and prepare myself mentally or even just look at things from an interesting new angle, etc? And yes-- I do know I'm overthinking it-- but again, that's what I do. I'm just trying to channel my overthinking to use it productively.
Last edited by Lupin1 on Mon Nov 12, 2012 3:36 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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tallgeese
Black Belt
Joined: 04 May 2008
Posts: 6879
Location: McHenry County, IL
Styles: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Bujin Bugei Jutsu, Gokei Ryu Kempo Jutsu, MMA, Shootfighting, boxing, kickboxing, JKD, Pekiti Tersia Kali
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| Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 3:09 pm Post subject: |
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Personally, on the approach to black belt, I can't think of a better topic than warrior mindset. It's one of THE most overlooked and undervalued traits among martial artists today.
Check out some of the relevent material on the subject, from the classics such as the Hagakuri and the Book of Five Rings to more modern material such as Grossman's works (particularly On Combat) and Atkinson's Warrior Mindset text.
This is one of the things that make the difference between a martial artist and a skilled dancer. Mindset.
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhRVuwbm__LwXPvFMReMww |
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bushido_man96
KF Sensei
Joined: 31 Mar 2006
Posts: 30188
Location: Hays, KS
Styles: Taekwondo, Combat Hapkido, Aikido, GRACIE, Police Krav Maga, SPEAR
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Groinstrike
Pre-Black Belt
Joined: 26 Oct 2010
Posts: 923
Location: Richland County
Styles: Bujin Bugei Jutsu, Krav Maga, Jeet Kune Do, BJJ M
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| Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:12 pm Post subject: |
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| tallgeese wrote: |
Personally, on the approach to black belt, I can't think of a better topic than warrior mindset. It's one of THE most overlooked and undervalued traits among martial artists today.
Check out some of the relevent material on the subject, from the classics such as the Hagakuri and the Book of Five Rings to more modern material such as Grossman's works (particularly On Combat) and Atkinson's Warrior Mindset text.
This is one of the things that make the difference between a martial artist and a skilled dancer. Mindset. |
Well said, something touched upon in modern combative texts is the idea of a trigger word. For example our sensei has suggested the word "vicious" when the bell goes off to start fighting. That bell can be different things, it could be an actual bell if in competition, or it could be the sucker punch or the grab or someone presenting a weapon. You must have the trigger telling you when to act and finish the fight. |
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Zaine
Black Belt
Joined: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 2277
Location: Dallas, TX
Styles: Matsumura-Seito, Shobayashi-Ryu, Shudokan, Long Fist, American Street Karate, Southern Mantis, HEMA
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| Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 12:57 pm Post subject: |
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When I started the home stretch to my Black Belt I started to pick up a lot of books on Martial Arts philosophy and reflected on that.
If you're not a reader, or you simply don't have time to do that or that idea just seems boring to you I would suggest looking back on conflicts that you've had during that particular day and how you solved them. After that, ask yourself if it was the right or wrong solution, and if your journey as a Martial Artist shaped this decision. Part of being a Black Belt is how we handle ourselves in the day to day, regardless of situation. We represent not only the body of Martial Artists, but ourselves. Are you conducting yourself in a way that befits a Black Belt?
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Martial arts training is 30% classroom training, 70% solo training.
https://www.instagram.com/nordic_karate/ |
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bushido_man96
KF Sensei
Joined: 31 Mar 2006
Posts: 30188
Location: Hays, KS
Styles: Taekwondo, Combat Hapkido, Aikido, GRACIE, Police Krav Maga, SPEAR
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| Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 5:21 pm Post subject: |
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| Zaine wrote: |
When I started the home stretch to my Black Belt I started to pick up a lot of books on Martial Arts philosophy and reflected on that.
If you're not a reader, or you simply don't have time to do that or that idea just seems boring to you I would suggest looking back on conflicts that you've had during that particular day and how you solved them. After that, ask yourself if it was the right or wrong solution, and if your journey as a Martial Artist shaped this decision. Part of being a Black Belt is how we handle ourselves in the day to day, regardless of situation. We represent not only the body of Martial Artists, but ourselves. Are you conducting yourself in a way that befits a Black Belt? |
That's very solid advise there. Good post, Zaine.
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http://www.sunyis.com/
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